Sweet Spot

Colossians 3:23-24 ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

When I find myself getting a little down or life feels a bit mundane, I ask myself, ‘What have you done for the Lord lately?” I learned early on in my walk with Jesus that my joy comes from serving Him. My true joy, what I call the sweet spot, comes from serving Him where my talents and gifts meet. It took me some trial and error to discover what my sweet spot was, but when I did discover it, it became like an addiction that I’m constantly chasing or air that I need to survive. Why do I constantly look for ways to serve Him? Because when I’m in the middle of doing so, there is joy unexplainable. It is better than any drug or alcohol that mankind has to offer. It throws aside any darkness, fear, or depression. It brings a feeling of connection to the God of the universe that no other activity, in my opinion, can ever bring. It is my form of worship. I crave it more than blue bell ice cream and trust me, that’s A LOT!

How did I find my sweet spot? It didn’t come easily. At the beginning of my surrender to the Lord, I was desperate to find a way to show Him my gratitude for all He had done for me. I tried everything from children’s ministry, single’s ministry, singing in the choir, to volunteering at a half-way house. Nothing really brought a great deal of joy in my life. That was until I went on my first mission trip. During the preparation of that trip, something began to stir in my spirit and when I stepped off the plane in Panama an overwhelming light exploded. Pure joy enveloped me, and I knew that this was my spot, my place where God had intended me to do His work. At that point I thought it meant I had to pack my bags and go live in a hut somewhere in the middle of the jungle. It took me even longer to pinpoint where exactly, in missions, my work for God really was meant to be. I’ve learned that living in a hut was not His exact calling on my life. Can I get a hallelujah?? My gifts and talents lie in administration, planning, teaching, and exhortation. I spent some time identifying my calling and this is what I felt God revealed to me.

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My calling is to educate, promote, and encourage mission work and involvement in the mission

field within my circle of influence, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.

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That sounds very succinct and simple, but it’s taken me almost 20 years to get to the place of knowing that I’m where God wants me, and I’m doing what He wants me to do.

How do you find your sweet spot? Experiment, try new things, try everything. I promise you that if you put your whole heart into it, God will show you where He wants you to serve. Not everyone is called to be a preacher, teacher, or missionary. However, everyone is called to do something. We are all the body of Christ, and if the knee decides he doesn’t want to be the knee then the body can’t move. You have a purpose in the kingdom of God, and it is your job to find that purpose. However, be patient with yourself and God’s plan. I know over the years I’ve gotten very frustrated with myself for not being all I thought I should be and with God for not opening the doors as fast as I thought they should be opened. Actually, I am still guilty of that weakness. God wants to use you, and He wants to use you in your sweet spot. Go discover it!